Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are a fun and tasty snack that everyone loves! These juicy little sausages are wrapped in crispy bacon and baked until golden and delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These mini sausages are the star of the dish. If you can’t find them, any small smoked sausage can work, like cocktail sausages or even kielbasa cut into smaller pieces.
Bacon: Regular sliced bacon is perfect for this recipe, but you can use turkey bacon or a thicker cut if you want a different flavor or texture. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary with thicker bacon.
Toothpicks: These are essential for securing the bacon. If you don’t have any, you can use small skewers, but make sure they are safe for the oven. You could also skip them altogether by placing the wrapped sausages seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Glaze (optional): Brown sugar or maple syrup adds a nice sweet touch. If you want to skip sweeteners, a dash of BBQ sauce also gives a great flavor. Consider experimenting with spices like chili powder or smoked paprika for an extra kick!
How Do You Ensure Crispy Bacon on Your Little Smokies?
A few simple tips help ensure your bacon gets perfectly crispy. First, the wire rack is key! It allows hot air to circulate around the sausages. Start by wrapping each Little Smokie with bacon and securing it with a toothpick.
- Preheat your oven properly to 375°F (190°C) to get the bacon cooking evenly.
- Keep space between each sausage on the rack. This allows them to cook without steaming.
- Flip them halfway through baking for consistent browning. This really helps get that crunchy texture on all sides.
- If you love extra crispiness, you can broil them for the last few minutes—just watch closely to avoid burning!
Following these tips will leave you with deliciously crunchy bacon-wrapped Little Smokies every time!
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (14-16 oz) Little Smokies sausages
- 10-12 slices of bacon (regular thickness), cut in half
- Toothpicks (for securing bacon)
- Optional: Brown sugar or maple syrup for glazing
- Optional: Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for cooking that bacon crispy!
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This makes for easy cleanup later! Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow the fat to drip off while cooking.
3. Cut the Bacon:
Take your bacon slices and cut each one in half. This is just the right size to wrap around the Little Smokies.
4. Wrap the Little Smokies:
Take each Little Smokie and wrap it tightly in a half slice of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the end of the bacon so it doesn’t unravel while baking.
5. Add Optional Glaze:
If you like a touch of sweetness, sprinkle a little brown sugar or drizzle some maple syrup over each bacon-wrapped smokie for a tasty glaze.
6. Arrange on the Rack:
Place all the wrapped Little Smokies on your wire rack. Make sure they are spaced out a bit so they can cook evenly.
7. Bake:
Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through. Make sure to turn them halfway through for even browning. You want that delicious, crispy goodness!
8. Serve:
Once they are out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Be careful when removing the toothpicks—nobody wants to bite into one! If you’d like, you can garnish them with fresh thyme or parsley to make them look extra appealing. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty treat!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies! They’re always a hit with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! While Little Smokies are traditional, you can use any small smoked sausage or even cocktail sausages. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as larger sausages may need more time to cook through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which helps keep the bacon crispy!
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Yes! You can wrap the Little Smokies in bacon and secure them with toothpicks ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting them in the oven.
What Can I Serve with Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies?
These tasty bites are great on their own or can be served with dipping sauces like BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. They also pair well with a fresh veggie platter for a well-rounded appetizer spread!